The rugged appeal and look of the Jeep Wrangler have made it a favourite among all off-road enthusiasts. The tough vehicle has a unique appearance. It has made the Wrangler iconic in the last few decades. Each make and model of Jeep Wrangler has its own set of common problems. You must be aware of these problems before you choose to buy a Wrangler.
Common Issues with The Jeep Wrangler
TIPM Failure
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) controls the entire electrical system of the Jeep. TIPM facilitates everything from the throttle control, headlights, power window function and the fuel pump moving gas. TIPM failure is the most common problem with the Wrangler.
The different types of TIPM failures include:
The engine is stalling even when the Jeep is in motion.
Airbags getting deployed randomly or not deploying.
The fuel pump continues to remain on even when the engine is not working. The constant use results in a burnout.
Doors unlock and lock without any input.
The power windows getting struck.
The starter cranks but the Jeep refuses to start.
It is often expensive to fix TPIM problems. Most of the issues occur even when the Jeep is under 40,000 miles.
TPS Failure
TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) is one of the critical components of the Jeep. TPS helps pass on information to the engine control module. Information about how open the engine throttle is at any given point is communicated to the engine control module. The data is then used for fuel metering, ignition timing, and emissions. The complexity of mechanical and electrical components makes the TPS vulnerable to failure. The voltage readings tend to go wrong when TPS fails. You might also experience unexpected shifting issues. It will affect your driving on the road.
The different types of TPS failures include:
A sudden surge in speed.
Delay when shifting.
Changing gears becomes difficult.
A quick reduction in fuel economy and power of the Jeep is another problem.
The engine jerks even in moderate stress.
The Death Wobble
The steering wheel shakes violently when the wobble sets in. Most Jeep Wrangler owners will have experienced this problem. The wobble happens after you hit a pothole. It is also triggered when you press hard on the brake pedal. Most often, the death wobble happens when the steering components get damaged or come loose. It can also occur if the steering parts and suspension system is not installed correctly. Don't worry if you experience the wobble when driving. Keep a cool head and go straight to a mechanic. One of the first things that you need to do when you experience a death wobble is to check for broken or bent parts in the front suspension.
The auto parts that are most likely to be damaged or broken and causing the problem include:
Steering knuckles and stabilizer.
Ballpoints.
Suspension bushings.
Front track bar.
Tie rod ends and drag link.
You will have to inspect each of these parts for any damage. It is best to replace the damaged or broken Jeep parts so that you can drive safely on the road.
Leaking Door Seals
Door sealing is not a common problem in Jeeps, but the Jeep Wrangler is famous for such issues. If the doors are not correctly sealed, it will lead to a damp environment. A damp environment often causes unpleasant odours. If the problem is not fixed at the earliest, it might damage the Wrangler's electrical system.
Engine Popping
Popping or backfiring sounds in the engine is another common problem with the Wrangler. The popping sound can be too loud, and the Jeep might jerk when you are driving.
The most common causes of engine popping include:
Spark plug failure.
Imperfect engine timing.
There are different circumstances under which engine popping happens. Identifying these issues and fixing them will help solve the problem.
Oil Leaks
The Jeep Wrangler is susceptible to oil leaks. There are many components within a Jeep, and they can leak oil. It is often difficult to diagnose the problem. Each system in the Jeep has a different colour of the fluid. You will be able to identify the problem when the liquid mixes with the leaked oil. The engine oil is usually amber when new, but it turns brown or black when combined with the fluid.
The power steering fluid turns brown, green or red. The transmission fluid becomes red. The engine coolant can be green, orange or red. Pay attention to the colour of the oil leak to determine the problem.
Battery Draining
If the battery is drained, most ignition switch components will not be able to get power. In some cases, the parts will continue to gain strength even when the ignition is switched off. If you experience such problems, it could be due to battery drainage. This problem is relatively easy to fix.
Seat Belt Problems
Faulty seat belts are another common problem with Jeep Wrangler. This safety problem needs to be addressed immediately. Install suitable quality seat belts to drive safely on the road.
Air Bag Issues
If you have an airbag issue with your Wrangler, it can be dangerous. This problem is often difficult to detect. You will not find out if the airbag is deploying to not deploying without an accident. You should always ensure that the airbag is functioning.
Lack of Adequate Power to Accessories
If the ignition switch doesn't work correctly, you will not be able to start your Wrangler. At times the Jeep will start and function efficiently, but the accessories will not work. Horn, headlights, taillights, and brake lights might not operate. You will have to check the ignition switch if none of the accessories is working.
Body Damage
The Jeep Wrangler is built for off-road adventure. When you drive off-road trails, it is common to encounter body damage to your Jeep. Body panels and parts that are damaged need to be replaced so that the Wrangler functions as good as new. Gaining awareness about the many common problems of the Jeep Wrangler will make it easy to fix it.
Just Jeeps Auto Wreckers has all the Jeep parts and accessories you will need to resolve any problem.